Ticket-issuing machine



W. L. SULLIVAN.

TICKET QSSUlNG MACHINE.

APPLECAHON mm JULY 29 1912.

1,308,966, Patented July 8, 1919.

8 SHhETSSHEET I.

W. L. SULLIVAN TCKET ISSUING MACHINE.

APPUCATION FILED IULYZQ. [9 2. 1,308,966. Patented July 8, 1919.

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W. L. SULLIVAN.

TICKET ISSUING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY29.1912.

Patented J My 8, 1919.

8 SHLETS'SHEET 3.

"Jun

j \az W. L. SULLIVAN.

TICKET ISSUING MACHINE.

APPLICATON FILED 1uLY29. 19m

1 ,308,966. latvnted July 8, 1919.

8 SHhE l S SHEET 4.

I a Waz/Z W. L. SULLIVAN.

HCKET ISSUING MACHINE.

APPLICATION man JULY 29. 1912.

1,308,966. latvntcd uly 8, 1919.

8 SHtEIS-SHEET 5.

W. L. SULLiVAN.

TICKET ISSUING MACHINE.

MPLICATION FILED JULY29. 1912.

7 a f m a Z Z a f A W m w w W a n @6 H/ W/ 1 W. L. SULLIVAN.

TICKET KSSUING MACHINE.

APPLICAUON FILED JULY 29. 19:2.

1 ,308,966. Patented July 8, 1919.

- 8 SHEETS 8.

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WILLIAI L. SULLIVAN, OF FERGUSON,

- TICKET-ISSUING' To all "whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, VILLIAM L. SULLI- vax. a citizen of the United States, residing at Ferguson. Missouri, have invented a cer tain new and useful Improvement in Ticketa certain device when two tickets are de-' sired. a different device when three tickets are desired. etc.

The machines of this type which are now in general use require two separate and distinct operations each time several tickets are issued, one operation being the manipulation of the device that determines the length of the severed strip or the number of tickets thatare issued, and the other being the operation of the foot-treadle which constitutes the primary actuating mechanism of the machine. 'lVhen-only one ticket is desired the operator merely presses the foot-treadle once. One objectionable feature of machines of the type referred to is that the operator has to press the foot-treadle each time a ticket is issued and also actuate a hand-controlled device when two or more tickets are issued.

Another objectionable feature is that it the operator fails torelease the foot-treadle the knife or movable cutter of the ticket,- st-rip cutting mechanism remains open until the treadle is released, and during this time the purchaser is apt to grab the issued ticket or tickets which are still attachedto the ticket strip and thus give the ticket strip a sudden jerk which causes it to break. lVhen ever this occurs a great deal of time is wastedfin "removing the mutilated ticket strip and lrestoring the machine to normal condition.

And still another objectionable feature of suchmachines is that the operator is aptto actuate the foot-trcadle so vigorously that the ticket strip or some of the elements Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July 8, 1919.

Application filed July 29 1912. Sefial No. 712,113.

of the machine break, thus requiring the services of a machinist quite frequently to keep the machine in workable condition.

()ne object of my invention is to provide a motor-operated ticket-issuing machine which is so constructed that the parts of the machine will be actuated with a uniform pressure at each cycle of operations.

Another object is to provide an inexpensive ticket-issuing machine of simple design that is not liable to getout of order and which is so constructed that the issued portion of the ticket strip will be severed automatically before the purchaser has an op portunit to grab same and thus tear the ticket strip.

And still another object is to provide a 'ticketdssuing machine in which the ticket strip feeding mechanism is so designed that the ticket strip will not be subjected to strains during the operation of feeding same. Other objects and desirable features of my invention will be hereinafter pointed out. a V

Briefly described, my improved ticketissuing machine consists of a feed wheel that feedsthe ticket strip forwardly to the point where the tickets are issued, means for severing the ticket strip into short lengths containing one or a plurality of tickets, means under control of the operator for determining the degree of movement of said feed wheel so as to regulate the number of tickets that are issued, and a motor of some suitable type that forms the primary actuating mechanism of the machine either to operate the feed wheel or to store up energy in a spring that operates the teed wheel. The. mechanism that impart-s movementto the ticketstrip feed wheel comprises a feed shaft provided with a toothed member that. meshes with a coiiperating toothed actuating member such, for example. as a sprocket-chain, a spring connected to said sprocket-chain for moving it in one direction, and motoi' di-iven means for moving said sprocket-chain in the reverse direction so as to store up energy in said spring. The machine is provided with a plurality of key levers or other suitable devices under control of the operator for setting up stops that govern the degree of movei'nent of said feed shaft, and a locking mechanism is provided for locking the feed shaft. so as to normally hold it at rest, 'said lockin mechanism being tripped or releaset automatically whenever one of the key levers is actuated.

In the embodiment of my invention herein shown, the spring previously referred to is employed for rotating the feed shaft forwardly, and the motor-driven meansthat stores up energy in said spring is utilized for rotating the feed shaft in a reverse direction, but I do not wish it to be understood that my invention is limited to such a construction for various changes could be made in the design and arr: ngeinent of the coiiperating elements of the machine without departing from the spirit of my in vention.

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the machine;

Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view of the machine, said view being taken on approximately the line :22 of Fig. 11;

Fig. 3 is a'top plan view of the machine;

' Fig. its a view similar to Fig. 2 showing the parts in a different position;

Fig. 5 is a horizontal sectional view taken on approximately the line of Fig. 4 looking in the direction indicated by the arrows;

Figs. 6, 7 and 8 are detail views of one of the stops that limit the movement of the feed wheel;

Fig. 9 is a side elevational view of the opposite side of the machine than that illustrated in Fig. 1, the right-hand side plate being broken away;

Fig. 10 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line 1010 of Fig. 9, looking in the direction indicated by the arrows;

Fig. 11 is a rear elevational view of the machine f.

Fig. 12- is a transverse vertical sectional view taken on the line 1'212 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 13 is a detail top plan view of the cutting mechanism;

Fig. 14 is a similar view showing the movable cutter or knife open;

Fig-15 is a perspective view of the two cooperating cutting members:

Fig. 16 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view taken on approximately the line 1(i-1(5 of Fig. 12, looking in the direction indicated by the arrows;

Fig. 17 is a similar view showing the parts in a different position; I

Fig. 18 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 1S'1S .of Fig. 16. looking in the direction indicated by the arrows;

Fig. 19 is a detail sectional view taken on the line 19 19 of Fig. 16;

Fig. :20 is a perspective view of one of the radially projecting pins on the feed wheel;

Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the feed.- wheel;

Fig. :22 is a perspective view of the starwheel on the feedshaft that cooperates with the pawl on the feed-wheel;

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the device that automatically locks the feed-wheel'after the lastticket of the ticket strip has been issued;

Fig. 2% is a perspective view of the stationary ring that cooperates with the locking dog on the feedwheel to. prevent the feed wheel from overthrowing;

Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the reciprocating bar to which one end of the feed shaft actuating chain is connected;

Fig. :26 is a perspective view of the motoractuated elen'ientthat cooperates with said bar;

Fig; 27 is a perspective view of the sprocket-wheel of the feed shaft; and

Fig. '28 is a perspective view of the movable contact member that causes the motor to become operative and inoperative auto matically.

Referring to the drawings which illustrate the preferred form of my invention, A designates the counter of a ticket-booth underneath which my improved ticket-issuing machine is arranged, the casing of the machine comprising a top plate 1 which is preferably set flush with the top face of the counter A. as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. A continuous ticket strip :1: which is wound in the form of a roll B. is retained in position by means of a pivotally mounted arm 2 provided with a laterally projecting stub shaft 3, as shown in Fig. 10 that projects into a spool l on which the ticket strip is wound. the arm 2 being preferably formed of resilient metal so as to enable the ticket strip roll to be arranged in operative position quickly and easily. The innerend of the arm 2 is pivotally connected at- 5 to a stationary part of the frame of the machine. and the ticket strip roll B is supported by a flanged roll (3 which may or may not bedriven so as to aid the feeding movement of the ticket strip.

The ticket striprr leads upwardly over a feed wheel C which is preferably provided with radially projecting pins 7 that cooperate with spaced holes in the ticket strip to feed said strip forwardly through a slot S in the top plate 1 of the machine. as shown in Fig. 16. A shaft 1), which T will refer to as the feed shaft or drive shaft of the machine. is connected with the feed wheel by means of a pawl and ratchetmechanism that I will hereinafter describe and which is so designed that the. feed wheel will move forwardly when the shaft D rotates in one direction and will remain at rest when said shaft rotates in the opposite direction. The feed shaft 1) is provided with a toothed member such, for example, as a sprocketwheel 9 that meshes with a toothed actuating member that causes the feed shaft D to rotate forwardly when said actuating member moves in one direction and rearwardly when said actuating member moves in the reveise direction. Said actuating member preferably consists of a sprocket chain 10 that passes over the sprocket-wheel 9, as shown in Fig. 1, andwhich is connected at its opposite ends to two separate and distinct means, one of which moves the chainll) in one direction, and the other means operating to move said chain in the opposite direction. ()ne of said means preferably consists of a coiled contractile spring 11 connected at its upper end to the chain 10 and at its lower cnd'to a stationar Y bracket 12. The other means consists of a vertically disposed reciprocating bar 13 that is adjustably connected to the chain 10 by means of a threaded member 10. which is screwed into the upper end of the bar 13, as shown in Fig. The bar 13 is moved downwardly or in a direction to store up energyin the spring 11 by means of a motor-actuated element 11 that engages the bar 13 at a certain period in the cycle of operations of the machine, and which isreleased or disengaged automatically from the bar 13 after the spring 11 has been placed in tension and the drive shaft D locked. The motor-actuated element 14-herein shown consists of a vertically disposed bar arranged parallel to the bar 13 and having its lower end connected by meansof. a link 15 with a crank arm 16 on a shaft 17, the shaft 17 being provided with a pulley 18, as shown in Fig.1, that receives a belt 19 which passes over a pulley 20 on the shaft of a motor E of any suitable type, such, for example 'as an electric motor. The bars 13 and 14 are guided vertically by means of laterally projecting studs 21 on oneof the vertically disposed partition plates 22 of the machine, said studs having heads that lap over the bars 13 and 14, as shown in Fig.

It is in'nnaterial, howevenwhat particular means is used for guiding the bars 13 and H as any suitable means could be used for this purpose. The motor-actuated member 11 reciprocates continuously when the motor E is in operation, and at a certain period in the cycle of operations of the machine a laterally projecting hook 23 on the member ll engages a cooperating movable hook or projection 24 on the bar 13, as shown in Fig. 4, and moves said bar 13 downwardly so as to store up energy in the spring 11 and also rotate the feed shaft T) in the reverse direction to that in which it moved during the preceding operation of the ticket strip feed wheel C. The means herein shown for locking the feed shaft D consists of a bellcrank shaped locking lever 25 pivotally mounted on a. horizontal shaft 26 that extends under the top plate 1 ofthe machine, as shown in Fig. 2, and provided on its long arm with a hook or catch 27 that coiiperates with a notch in a disk -28 that is rigidly connected to the feed shaft D, said locking lever being acted upon by acoiled contractile spring 29 which normally draws the long arm of said lever toward the locking disk 28 on the feed shaft. D.

' The machine herein shown is so designed that it will issue one, two, three. four or five tickets; the number of tickets that is issued at each operation. of course, depending upon the degree of movement imparted to the ticket strip :12 on the forward feeding move ment of the feed wheel C. The means that I prefer toemploy for controlling the for ward feed movement of the feed wheel C consists of a plurality of stops arranged in different horizontal planes adjacent the path of movement of the vertically reciproeating bar 13, and key levers for setting up said stops or arranging them in operative position. Five key levers 30 are provided which are pivotal y mounted on the cross shaft- 26 that extends transversely of the machinennderthe top plate 1, each of said key levers having a finger-piece 31 that projects upwardly through an opening in the top plate 1 of the machine. Four of said key levers are provided with arms 32 that. project downwardly, as shown in Figs. 2, 4 and 11. and cooperate with a series of movable stops 33, 34, and 36 that are arranged horizontally one above the other in a stationary guide member H secured to the partition plate 22. The arms 32 are arranged at one side of said stops, as shown in Fig. 11, and each of said arms is providedwith a laterallyprojecting extension that alines with one of the stops, one of the arms 32 having an extension 33 that cooperateswith the stop 33, one with an extension 34 that cooperates with the stop 35, and one with an extension 36 that co6perates with the stop 36. The fifth key provided with a depending arm 32 as shown in dotted lines in Fig. l and in full lines in Fig. 11, but this arm does not cooperate with a stop as the only function it performs is to trip the locking lever25. The stop which may be said to cooperate with this fifth key lever is a stationary stop and is designated by the reference character 37 In Figs. 2 and 4. When any one of the key levers 30 is depressed the arm 32 on said lever strikes against a horizontally disposed pin 38 on the short arm of the bell-crankshaped locking lever 25 and thus raises the long arm of said lever far enough to release thelocking disk 28 on the driving'shaft E. as shown in Fig. 4,. If the key lever that is depressed is either the first, second, third or fourth key lever the stop that cooperates with same will be projected forwardly into such a position that it. will arrest the upward movement of the reciprocating bar 13 which moves upwardly under the influence of th spring 11 as soon as the feed shaft D lever is is released. As shown in Figs. 2, 4, 6, 7 and 8. each of the stops 33 to 36 is provided on its lower edge with a notch 39 and at its front end with a laterally projecting pin 40. A coiled contractile spring ll is connected to each of said stops in such a manner that it tends to draw the front end of the stop downwardly so that when the stop is moved forwardly the notch 39 in the lower edge of same will catch on the edge of the opening in the guide member 3? through which the stop is projected, see Figs. 1 and 7. The pivotally mounted book A on the bar 13 is substantially bell-crank-shaped. and the short leg of same is provided with a laterally projecting tail 2%, as shown in Fig. :25, that strikes against the stop which has been set up or arranged in operative position when the bar 13 moves upwardly, as shown in Fig. l. The blow that the tail 21 strikes said stop moves the front end of th stop upwardly far enough to disengage the notch 39 in the stop from the guiding member H, and a cam 13 on the bar 13 then strikes the front end of the stop and moves said stop rearwardly far enough to prevent the notch from remgaging with the member H when the bar 13 moves downwardly. In order to prevent the stop from moving rearwardly out of alinement with the tail 2+1 of the hook on the bar 13 I have provided the bar 13 with a clip 42 that has a laterally projectingflange 43. as shown in Fig. '25, which passes between the pin 40 on the stop and the portion of the guiding member H through which the stop passes, as shown in Fig. 8, and thus prevents the' stop from being completely retracted after the tail 2% trips same. In other words, when the rod 13 moves upwardly under the influence of the spring 11 the tail Ql of the hook '24 on said bar strikes against the stop that has been moved into operative position by the depression of the key lever, and thus causes the upward movement of the bar 13 and the forward feed movement of the feed shaft D to be arrested, the engagement of said tail with said stop releasing the stop from the guide member H but the laterally projecting flange 43 on the clip -12 preventing the stop from moving rearwardly out of engagement with the tail 24*. The hook-shaped catch 24 on the bar 13 swings forwardly when the tail 2% strikes against thestop that is set up, as shown in Fig. 4. and on the succeeding downward stroke of the motor-actuated member 14, the hook 93 on said member engages the catch 24 and thus moves the bar 13 downwardly back to normal position. the hook 27 on the locking lever 25 dropping into the notch on the disk :28

with which it coiiperates and thus locking the feed shaft D as soon as the bar 13 is depressed to its normal position. The catch 24 is normally held in engagement with a stop H on said bar 13 by means of a spring 45 shown in Fig. 25. and the upper end of the bar 13 is notched out at- 46, as shown in Fig. so as to form a shoulder that cooperates with the tail El on the hook 21 to limit the outward movement of the hook when said tail strikes against the stop that has been set up or arranged in operative position. The stops 33. 3%, 35 and 36 are so arranged that they will arrest the movement of the feed-wheel-operating mechanism after one, two. three or four tickets. respectively, have been issued through the slot 8 in the top plate of the machine, and the stationary stop 37 is so arranged that it will arrest the movement of said mechanism after a section'of the ticket strip containing five tickets has been issued.

The mechanism that I prefer to use for severing the ticket strip In into short lengths consists of a movable cutter 50 thatis actuated by means of a rock arm 51 loosely mounted on the feed shaft D and moved in one direction by means of a coiled contractile spring 52 and in the opposite direction by means of a disk on the feed shaft D that is provided with a lug 5 that strikes against a laterally projecting pin 55 on the rock arm 51, as shown in Fig. 1:2. This rock arm 51 is also utilized to automatically restore the key levers to their normally raised position, and in the preferred form of my inven tion, as herein shown, a link 51, shown in Figs.2 and his arranged between the rock arm 51 and the pin 38 on the locking lever 25 that extends transversely in front of the depending arms on the key levers. one end of said link 51 having an elongated slot 51". as shown in Fig. 2, that receives a projection onthe rock arm 51 and the other end of the link being pivotally connected to the pin 38. In order to obtain an etiirient cutting mechanisn'i that can be removed easily for sharpening or repair I employ a stationary cutting member 56 that cotiperates with the movable cutting member 50 and to which said movable cutting member is pivotally connected at one end by means of a pivot 57, as shown in Fig. '13. 1i and 15. Said cutting members are arranged under the top plate 1 of the machine, and they are retained in position by means of screws or other suitable fastening devices 58 that clamp the stationary cutting member 56 to a stationary part of the frame of the machine. One convenient, way of connecting the movable cutting member 50 to the cutteractuating rock arm 51 is to provide the cutting member 50 with a reduced portion or extension 59 that fits in a bifurcated por tion at the upper end of the rock arm 51. as shown in Figs. 2 and 12. lVhen the feed shaft D rot-ates forwardly after being released in the manner previously described, the spring moves the upper end of the rock arm ,51 forwardly and thus opens up the cutting mechanism, as shown in Fig. 14,-

or, in other words moves the movable cutter 50 into such a position that the check strip can pass upwardly through the cheek strip slot 8 in the top plate of the machine. During the reverse movement of the feed shaft- D the lug 54 on the disk 53 on said feed shaft strikes against the laterally projecting pin on the rock arm 51 and thus moves said rock arm forwardly, thereby causing the 00 operating cutting members 50 and 56 to sever the ticket strip. \Vhenever it becomes necessary to re-sharpen the cutting mechanism the operator removes the screws 58 so as to release both cutting members which can then be taken out of the machine.

The pawl and ratchet mechanism, previously referred to, that I prefer to use for transmitting movement from the feed shaft D to the ticket strip feed wheel C consists of a star-wheel or spur-wheel 60 on the feed shaft D that cooperates with a pawl 61 that is pivotally connected to one of the spokes of the feed-wheel C, as shown in Fi 16 and 17. When the fed shaft D rotates forwardly in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 16 one f the teeth of the starwheel 60 engages the pawl 61 on the feedwheel C and thus causes said wheel to rotate forwardly with the feed shaft D. the pawl 61 being held in such a position that it will ('niiptlillfi with the teeth of the star-wheel by means of a spring 62. The feed-wheel C is prevented from overthrowing forwardly after the feed shaft D has come to rest by means of a pivotally mounted locking dog 63 on the feed-wheel C that cooperates with a stationary locking plate 64 having notches 65. as shown in Figs. 16, 17 and 24. that are adapted to receive a projection 63 on the dog 63. The locking dog 63 is acted upon by a coiled spring 66 which exerts yielding pressure on said dog in such amanner that. the projection 63 rides into-and out of the notches in the locking plate 64 during the rotation of the feed-wheel C, said dog and spring also acting to lock the feed-wheel C at. the end of. each feeding movement. In case the feed-wheel C should overthrow slightly it will be restored automatically to the position at which it should havcstopped by means of a depending tail 63 n the locking dog 63 which is engaged by one of the teeth of thestar-wheel 60 on the feed-shaft during the reverse movement of said shaft. Preferably. a stationary guard 67' of approximately the same width as the ticket strip :13, is arranged adjacent the feed wheel C. as shown in Figs. 16 and 17, so as to form a substantial support for the ticket. strip during the time said strip is being acted upon by the radially projecting pins 7 on the feedwheel. said guard having a longitudinally extending slot through which said pins travel. The ticket strip is prevented from moving oil the guard 67 by means of a pair of plates 67 that conform to the curvature of the guard, as shown in Fig. 9, and which coiiperate with the guard to form an arc-shaped gnideway for the ticket strip. In order to obtain access to the ticket. strip the segmental plates 67 are connected to a removable cover plate 67* that closes an opening in the top plate 1 of the machine, said cover plate resting on flanges on the under side of the top plate 1 and being retained in position by means of a spring-actuated catch 67 on the cover plate that projects under the top plate 1, as shown in Fig. 9. If desired, a spring-actuated stop pawl 68 can be mounted on the stationary locking ring 6:2 in such a manner that a iaterally projecting extension 68 on the free end of said pawl will move into the path of projections or shoulders on the feed-wheel C and thus preventsaid wheel from rotating forwardly after the ticket strip is has been used up, the pawl 68 having a tooth- 69, as shown in Figs. 16 and 1'7, which bears against the under side of the ticket strip and thus normally holds the pawl in such a position that it will not. interfere with the forward movement of the feed-wheel C. As soon as the last. ticket has been issued the pawl 68 moves outwardly and thus prevents further movement of the feedwhcel C, a stationary guide plate 50 being provided for receiving the tooth 69 on said pawl when the pawl is in operative position. Any suitable type of counting mechanism may be used for recording the number of tickets that the machine issues, the counting mechanism 71 herein shown comprising a pinionTzZ that meshes with an idler 73 that cooperates with a gear Tl which is fastened to the feed-wheel C, shown in Fig. 5).

The flanged roll 6 on which the ticket strip roll B rests is preferably driven by means of a belt 75 that passes over a pulley 7 6 on the feed shaft D, as shown in Fig. 1, so as to aid the feed wheel C and thus take the strain ofi the holes in the ticket strip and also keep the ticket strip taut without liability oftearing same.

The motor E which operates the machine can be allowed to run continuously, or, if desired, the machine may be provided with means for causing the motor to start auto matically when one of the key levers is depressed, and to stop automatically after a portion of the ticket strip has been issued. The machine herein shown is constructed in this manner and is provided with a switch G of any suitable type such, for example, as a knife-switch. that is arranged in the electric circuit-that energizes the motor and in such a position on the frame of the machine that it can be controlled easily by the operator. A lever 77, which is piv'otally mounted on ajstationary part of the frame of the machine, is provided with a bifurcated end that receives a pin 78 on the bar 13, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4. Fastened to said lever is a movable contact 79 that coiipe'ates with a flexible conductor 80 to establish electrical connection between the two poles of the switch G when the handle 81 of the switch is open, as shown in Fig. 2. \Vhen the lever T7 is in the position shown in Fi '2 no current will flow through the motor E because the circuit is broken. \Vhen the bar 13 moves upwardly, however, after one of the key levers has been depressed the pin 78 on said bar rocks the lever 77 and thus moves the contact TJinto engagement with one of the contacts of the switch, as shown in Fig. 4, thus completing the circuit through the flexible conductor 80 which is connected to the movable contact 79 and to the other stationary contact of the switch. On the return downward movement of the bar 13 the contact T9 is moved automatically away from its cooperating contact and thus the circuit is again broken. In case it is desired to have the motor run continuously the operator raises the handle 81 of the switch so as to close the switch and thus cut out the movable Contact on the lever 77.

If it is desired to issue three tickets, for example, the operator depresses the fingerpiece 31 ot' the third key lever, thereby causing the stop to be projected forwardly, as shown in Fig. i. and also causing the locking lever to be raised far enough to re lease the disk 28 on the feed shaft D. As soon as said shaft has been released the spring 11 contracts and imparts movement to the chain 10 which passes over the sprocket-wheel 9 on the feed shaft, the retary movement of the feed shaft being arrested as soon as the tail 2% of the hook 24 on the bar 13 strikes against the stop 35. When the shaft D' rotates forwardly the star-wheel (if) thereon engages the pawl (31 on the feed-wheel (l and thus moves said wheel forwardly a sufficientdistance to issue three tickets through the ticket slot 8 in the top plate of the machine. The depression of the key lever caused the bar 13 to move upwardly and thus set the motor E in operation, thereby causing the member 14 to start to reciprocate. lVhen the catch on the member 1% engages the cotiperating catch 2t on the member 13 the member 13 will be restored to normal position. The operation of restoring the bar 13 to normal position stores up energy in the spring 11, actuates the cutting mechanism and thus causes the tlckct strip 'to be severed automatically, and also restores the depressed key lever to its normal elevated position, the cycle of operat-ions being completed as soon as the looking lever 25 engages the notch 27 in the disk 28 on the drive shaft D.

The mechanism that actuatcs the feed shaft l) and also the stops that cooperate with said mechanism are arranged between the partition plate :22 and the letthand side plate 22 of themachine, as shown in Fig. 12, and the feed wheel C and the pawl and ratchet mechanism and other cooperating parts are arranged between the partition plate 22 and the righthand side plate 22 of the machine. the stationary locking ring (ii that cooperates with the dog 63 on the feed wheel being supported by studs and spacers Gt that project laterally from the partition plate 22.

A machine of the construction above-described is not apt to get out of order easily because the coiipcrating parts of the'machine are actuated with practically a uniform pressure at each cycle of operations: the ticket strip is fed in such a manner that it is not sub ccted to strains which would tend to break the strip or tear the strip around the holes in same through which the projections on the feed wheel pass: and as the issued portion of the ticket strip is severed automatically practically as soon as'said portion has passed through the slot in the top plate of the machine, there no danger of a purchaser grabbing his tickets and thus giving the ticketstrip a jerk that would cause it to break. In addition to the desirable features above -mentioned my improved machine overcomes the necessity of-the operator nianipulating anything except the key levers. it is so designed that a fresh ticket strip roll can be inserted quickly thus saving a great deal of valuable time when a number of ticket purchasers are standing at the ticket window, and it is of such simple design that it can be manufactured cheaply.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A. ticket-issuing -machine provided with a ticket strip feeding mechanism that comprises an actuating member, a spring for moving said member in one direction, a motor-actuated element for moving said member in the opposite direction so as to store up energy in said spring, means for locking said actuating member after said spring has been placed under tension, devices which control or limit the degree of movement of said actuating member, and means under control of the operator for releasing said actuating member and for setting up or arranging in operative position one or the other of said devices.

2. A. ticket-issuing machine provided with a ticket strip feeding mechanism that comprises a spring-operated actuating member, a motor-driven element for storing up energy in the spring that operates said member, a locking device for holding said spring under tension, spaced stops which are adapted to be arranged in operative posi- Lion 50 as to limit the degree of movement of sa id actuating member, key levers for setting up said stops, and mcan's'for tripping or releasing said lockingdc'vice when'on'e'or the 'othcr of said key levers'is'operatedi- A ticket-issuing machine' 'rovidcd' with a ticket strip feeding mechamsm'thatcoinprism a spring-operated actuating member,

a motor-driven element for 'storingnpen orgy in the spring that operates said mem her. a locking device for holding said spring under tension, spaced stopswhich are adapted to be arranged in operative position as to limit the degiee of movement of said actuatingmember, key levers for, setting up said stopsgmeans for tripping or releasing said locking device when one or the other of said key levers is operated, and a cutting mechanism which automatically;'severs the issued portion of the ticket strips l. A tickct issuing machine provided with a ticket strip feeding mechanism that .comprises a feed shaft, a feed wheel, a pawl and ratchet mechanism for transmitting movement from said shaft' to said wheel, an actuating member for rotating'said feed shaft forwardly and rearwardly, resilient "1382115 fOT'IllO\'IIlg Si1-1Cl actuating member in one direction, a motor-driven element for moving said actuatin'gelement in the opposite direction so as to store np energy in said spring, and means nnder'c'ontrol of the operator for limiting the degree of forward movement that said actuatingmember'imparts to said feed shaft. I

5.. A ticket-issuing machine'provided with a ticket strip feeding mechanism that comprises a feed shaft, a feed wheel, a pawl and ratchet mechanism for transmitting'movement from said shaft to said wheel, an actuating member-for rotating said feed shaft forwardly and rearwardly, resilient means for movingsaid actuatin member in one d i rection, a Il'lOtOPdllVCn aemen't for moving said actuating clement-in the opposite direction so as to store up, energy in said spring, devices which limit the degree of forward movement that said actuating member imparts to said feed shaft, 'meansfor automatically locking said actiwting'z: member after said spring has beenjpla'ced under tension. and means nnderlcontrol of the operator for positioning said. devices-and fen releasing the actuating memberhfrom said locking means. ,i

6. A ticket-issuing machine provided with a ticket strip feeding mechanism? that-comprises afced shaft, :1, feed wheeha pawl and ratchet mechamsmfor transmittlng move menti'rom said shaft to' s'aid wheel, arr-actuating member for-rotating said feed shaft: forwardly and rearward'ly, resilient means for moving said actuating member in one diroot-ion, a-motor-driven elementfor movingsaid actuatin element in the opposite-dire:-

shanty 7. A tL'JkGlL-ISSUIDg machine provided with said stops and for tion-so as to store up energy in said'spring,

devices which limit the degree offorward movement that said actuating member 1mparts. tosaid feed shaft, means for automatically locking said actuating member after said springhasbeen placedunder tens10n,means under control of the'operator for'positioning mid devices and for rcleasing the actuating member from said locking 'nicwns, and a severing mechanism for said ticket-strip which iscontrolled by said feed a tickct strip feeding mechanism that comprises a-feed shaft, a flexible actuating member cooperating with a toothed member on saidfeed. shaft, a spring connectedto said actuating member for moving it in one direction, a motor-driven element for moving said actuating member in the opposite dircc' tion so as to store up energy in said spring, and a plurality of steps which are adapted to 'be positioned by the operator so as to limit the degree of movement of said actuating member when it is moving under the influence of said soring.

i 8. A ticketdssuing machine provided with aticket strip feeding mechanism that com- 1131156513 feed shaft, a flexible actuating mem: ber coiipemting with atoothed member on said feed shaft, a spring connected to said actuating member for moving it in one direction, a motondriven element for moving said actuating member in the opposite direction, so as toy store up energy in said spring, means for automatically locking said actuating member after said spring has been placed in tension, a plurality of spaced stops for limiting the degree of movement or" said actuating 'll'lfimbel under the influence of said spring, and key levers for positioning tripping said, locking means. I:

' 9. A ticket-issning machine provided with auticketstrip feeding mechanism that connp'rises :rfeed shaft, an actuating member cooperzvtinp, with a toothed member on said 'fecd shaft, as'pring for moving said actuating: member in one direction, a-motor-driven element for movingsaid actuating member in the" oppositedirection so as to store up energy urea-1d spri on, a plurality of movable stops lei-limiting the degree of movement-of saidra ctuating' member in one direction, key

levers; forfsettmg up said ships or arranging them inoperative position, means for automatically locking said stops after-they have 1 been positioned, and means for releasing said stops andicausingthemto return to inoperative position after they have performed their function. I V I 10. A ticket-issuing machine provided .With a-tic-ket strip feeding" mechanism-that compr sesa feed shaft, an actnatmginembcr coiiperating vithna .t0otl1ed: 1ne1nbe1t on said iii) feed shaft, a spring for moving said a tuating ineniber in one direction, a motor-driven element for moving said actuating member in the opposite direction so as to store up energy in said spring, a plun'ility of stops for arresting the movement of said actuating member under the influence of said spring, key levers for positioning said stops, and means for causing said stops to remain in operative position until said motor-driven element acts upon said actuating member and thereafter to return automatically to inoperative position.

1 1. A ticketissuing machine provided with a ticket strip feeding mechanism that comprises a reciprocating member, a spring for moving said member in one direction, a motor-driven element for moving said member in the opposite direction so as tostore up energy in said spring, a plurality of stops arranged adjacent the path of movement of said reciprocating member for limiting the degree of movement of said ticket strip feeding mechanism, means under control of the operator for moving one or the other of said stops into operative position, springs that tend to hold said stops retracted or'in an inoperative posit-ion, means for locking said stops inoperative position, means on said reciprocating, member that is adapted to engage 21 positioned stop and release it from said locking means, and independent means on said reciprocating member for preventing the positioned stop from being completely retracted until a subsequent period in the cycle of operations of the machine when said motor-driven element imparts movement to said reciprocating member.

12. A ticket-issuing machine provided with a ticket strip feeding mechanism that comprises a feed shaft, an actuating means for said'r'eed shaft comprising a spring and a reciprocating member, a plurality of stops arranged in a guiding member adjacent the path of travel of said reciprocating member,

key levers for positioning said stops, a notch in each of said stops that cooperates with said guiding member to lock the stop in operative position, springs that tend to retract saidstops, a pivotally mounted catch on said reciprocating member provided with a tail that is adapted to engage the positioned stop,

and ajmotor-driven element provided with a catch that coiiperates with the pivota-lly mounted catch on said reciprocating member to'im art movement to said reci rocatin member in one direction.

13. A ticket-issuing machine provided with a ticket strip feeding mechanism that comprises a feed shaft, an actuating means for said shaft comprising a reciprocating member and a spring for moving said memher in one directiom'stops under control of the operator for arresting the movement of said reciprocating member, a, pivotally mounted catch on said reciprocating mom her that is adapted to be moved into operative position by engagement with the positioned stop, and a motor-driven element that coiiperates with said catch to move said reciprocating member in one direction so as to store up energy in said spring.

14. A tickebissuiug machine provided witha ticket strip feeding mechanism that comprises a feed shaft, an actuating means for said shaft comprising a reciprocating member and a spring for moving said member in one direction, stops under control of the operator for arresting. the movement ofsaid reciprocating member, a pivotally mounted catch on said reciprocating memher that is adapted to be moved into operative position by engagement with the positioned stop, a motor-driven element that cooperates With said catch to move said reciprocating member in one direction so as to store up energy in said spring, and a device on said reciprocating member for preventing the positioned stop from being completely retracted after it has been engaged by the catch on said reciprocating member.

15. A ticketissuing machine provided with a. ticket strip feeding mechanism that comprises a feed shaft, a flexible actuating member passing over a toothed member on said feed shaft, a spring connected to one end of said actuating member, a reciprocatmg bar connected to the opposite end of said actuating member, a stationary stop and a plurality of stops arranged adjacent the path of travel of said bar, means under control of the operator for positioning said movable stops, a pivotally mounted catch on said bar adapted to be moved into an operative position by engagement with one or the other of said stops, and a motor-driven element provided with means for engaging the catch on said reciprocating bar and retracting it so as to store upenergy in said spring.

16. A ticketissuing machine provided with a ticket stripfeeding mechanism that comprises a horizontally disposed feed shaft arranged under the top plate of the machine,

a flexible actuating member passing over a sprocket-wheel on said shaft, a spring for moving said actuating member in one direction, a motor-driven element "for moving said actuating member in the opposite direction,'aplurality of stops for arresting the movement of said actuating inemher under the influence oi said spring, a locking lever Cotiprating with a notched disk on said feed shaft, and kcy'levers provided with depending arms for positioning said stops and for tripping said locking lever.

17. A ticket issuing machine provided with a'ticket strip feeding mechanism that comprises a horizontally disposed feed shaft arranged under the top plateof the machine,

a flexible actuating member passing over a mosses sprocket-wheel on said shaft, a spring for moving said actuating member in one direction, a motor-driven element for moving said actuating member in the opposite direction, a plurality of stops for arresting the movement of said actuating member under the influence of said spring, a locking lever coiiperating with a notched disk on said feed shaft, key levers provided with depending arms for moving said stops into operative position, and means connected to said locking lever and arranged in such a manner that it will be engaged by the depending arm of the key lever that is actuated and thus trip said locking lever.

18. A ticketdssuing machine provided with a ticket strip feeding mechanism that comprises ahorizontally disposed feed shaft arranged under the top plate ofthe machine, a flexible actuating member passing over a spiocket-wheel on said shaft, a spring for moving said actuating member in one direction, a motordriven element for moving said actuating member in the opposite direction, a plurality of stops for arresting the movement of said actuating member under the influence of said spring, a looking lever coiiperating with a notched disk on said feed shaft, key levers provided'with depending arms for moving said stops into operative position, means connected to said locking lever and arranged in such a manner that it will be engaged by the depending arm of the key lever that is actuated and thus trip said locking lever, a severing mochanism for the ticket strip comprising a mow able cutting member, a rock arm loosely mounted on the feed shaft and operatively connected to said movable cutting member, a spring formoving said rock arm in one direction, and means on the feed shaft for moving said rock arm in the opposite direction so as to" actuate said cutting member.

19. A ticketsissuing machine provided with aticket strip feeding mechanism that comprises a feed shaft, a ticket strip severing mechanism comprising a stationary cutting'member and a movable cutting member, a rock arm for actuating said movable cut ting member, means for causing said. rock arm to openu or separate said cutting members when t e feed shaft moves in one direction, means on the feed shaft that is adapted to engage said rockarm so as to positively actuate said movable cutting member when the feed shaft moves in'the opposite direction, said movable. cutting member being pivotally connected to said stationary cutting member, and removable fastening devices which retain both of said cutting members in operative position under the top plate of the machine.

- 20. A ticket-issuing machine provided with a ticket strip "feeding mechanism that comprises a feed wheel and a feed shaft, in-

dependent means for rotating said feed shaft in opposite directions, a pawl and ratchet mechanism for transmitting movement from said shaft to said wheel, and

means for preventing said feed wheel from' ratchet mechanism for transmitting move 'ment from said shaft to said wheel, means for preventing said feed wheel from over throwing or moving beyond a certain position, consisting of a stationary locking mem her and a movable locking member, one of said members having a projection that cooperates with notches in the other member.

22. A ticket-issuing machine provided with a ticket strip feeding mechanism that comprises a feed wheel having devices for engaging the ticket strip, a spring for causing said wheel to feed the ticket strip forwardly, a motor-actuated element for stor ing up energy in said spring, a locking de vice which automatically locks said feeding mechanism after the spring has been placed in tension, and means under control of the operator for tripping said locking device and for hunting the degree of movement that said feed wheel imparts to said ticket strip.

23, A ticket strip feeding mechanism for a ticket-issuing machine consisting'of a feed wheel, a feed shaft, means for transmitting motion from said shaft to said wheel, a

spring for rotating said shaft in one direction, a motorforstoring up energy in said spring and simultaneously rotating said shaft in the opposite direction, a stationary ring provided with notches, and a springactu-ated pawl on said feed wheel that cooperates with the notches in said ring to prevent the feed wheel from overthrowing. 1

2st. A ticket strip feeding mechanism for ticket-issuing machines consisting of a feed wheel, a feed shaft, :1 toothed wheel on said shaft that cooperates with a pawl onsaid feed wheel, means for rotating said shaft in opposite (lIiGClDIOlIS, a stationary ring arranged adjacent said w-heel and provided with notches, and a sprin -actuated locking dog on said wheel provided with a projection that enters said notches and thus prevents the feed wheel from overthrowing.

25. A ticket strip feeding mechanism for ticket-issuing machine s consisting of a feed wheel, a feed shaft, a toothed wheel on said shaft that coiip'erates with a pawl on said feed wheel, means for rotating said shaft in opposite directions, a stationary ring arranged adjaceut said wheel and provided with notches, a spring-actuated locking dog on said wheel provided with a projection said key levers that project upwardly through said top plate, a cutting mechanism arranged under the top plate fol-severing said ticket; strip, and a motordriven means for actuating said cutting mechanism and for storing up energy in the spring that operates said feeding mechanism;

38. A ticket-imuing machine rovidcd with a ticket strip feed wheel having projections that enter openings in the ticket strip, a feed shaft, a pawl and ratchet mechanism for transmittin feed shaft to said fee wheel, a device on the feed wheel that cooperates with a stationary member for preventing the feed wheel from overthrowing, a sprocket chain passing over a sprocket wheel on the feed shaft, 9. spring coimedzed to said chain for moving the feed shaft forwardly, a motor-driven element for moving said chain in the opposite direction a so as to store up energy in said spring, stops that are adapted to be set up so as to limit the degree of movement imparted to said feed shaft by'said spring,'a device for looking said feed shaft after said sp has been placed under tension, and key 7 vers for tripping and locking device and for setting up said stops. 7

39. A ticket-issuing machine provided with a ticket strip feed wheel having projections that enter openingsin the ticket strip, a feed shaft, a pawl and ratchet mechanism for transmitting movement from said feed shaft to mid feed wheel, a device on the feed wheel that coiiperates with a stationary member for preventing the feed wheel from overthrowing, a sprocket chain passing over a sprocket wheel on the feed shaft, a spring connected to said chain for moving the feed shaft forwardly,fa motordriven element for moving said chain in the opposite direction so as to store up energy in said spring, stops that are adapted to be set up so as to limit the de ree of movement imparted to said feed sha by said spring, a device for locking said feed shaft. after said spring has been placed under tension, key levers for tripping said locking device and for setting u' said stops, a severing mechanism for sai strip comprising a movable cutt ng member, a sprin for moving said cutting member in one motion so as movement from said topermit the ticket strip to move past same, means on the feed shaft for positively actuating said cutting member so as to sever the strip, and means for recording the numher of tickets that issue the machine.

40. In a ticket-issuing machin a rotatable support for sustaining a tic et strip roll, a feed wheel for feeding the strip forwardly, and means for rotating said support so as to aid said feed wheel to feed the ticket strip.

41. In a ticket-issuing machine, a ticket strip feeding mechanism, devices for determining the degree of movement of said feeding mechanism, key levers for positioning said devices, and unyielding means for restoring said key levers to their normal raised position after they have been determining the degree of movement of said feeding mechanism, key levers for positioning said devices, and a positively actuated means that operates at each cycle of operations of the machine for restoring the 'key levers to their normal raised position after they have been depressed.

A ticket-issuing machine comprising a ticket strip feeding mechanism, a cutting mechanism, means under control of the operator for causing said feeding mechanism to become operative, and a motor-driven elementthat operates automatically to restore the feeding mechanism and also to acuate the cutting mechanism so as to sever the isued portion of the ticket strip.

44. A ticket-issuing machine provided with a ticket strip feeding mechanism that comprises a feed shaft, key levers for controlling said mechanism, and means operated by said feed shaft for-positively restoring the key levers after they have been V WILLIAM L. SULLIVAN. Witnesses: v

Wms L. Cannon, 'Gnonon Bmwnnn. 

